I have read about your intentions to burn copies of the Quran on September 11th, and I think that what you are doing is wrong. On your website, you say that your goal is to "raise awareness" about the evils of that book, but this is not what will happen when you set those books on fire. Instead, your disrespectful attitude toward your neighbors will be evident for all the world to see.
General Patreaus has begged you to stop this because he believes it will endanger the soldiers who are fighting in the middle east; even though you know about this you have decided to continue with your foolish plan. Remarkable, you intend to place yourself above the needs of our men and women in uniform. The church has a well-respected history of praying for the safety of our troops no matter what they are doing, but you are putting them in danger in order to make a hateful gesture. The result will only be bloodshed.
You said that you wish to make a statement and that you want Muslim terrorists to know that you will not be pushed around by them - but there are other ways to make such a statement. You can encourage charitable outreach to Muslim communities to show that you are above the petty cultural hatred that these terrorists represent. Also, you can proudly wave an American flag to show that your love for your country is not tarnished by acts of evil. There are many ways to counter the hatred of terrorism, but burning books as a symbol is not one of them.
Hatred only creates more hatred. When you set fire to those books you will be sparking the flame of retaliation amongst Muslim terrorists - in fact, you already have. The Islamic Defenders Front has vowed violent action if these books are burned, and if their retaliation costs the lives of our soldiers then the blood will be on your hands. Instead, I urge you to remember the words of St. Francis, who said:
- Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
- where there is hatred, let me show love;
- where there is injury, pardon:
- where there is doubt, faith... I am very angry about terrorists acts, just as you are. It is important for us to stand up to those who will kill innocent civilians in order to further their ambitions, but burning their religious literature is not a way to solve the problem.
- -Adam Jones
10 comments:
Thank you Adam.
They're even selling t-shirts saying "Islam is of the Devil." I just don't really see how that get's anybody anywhere, constructively.
Did you go to their 'contact us' page on their site and send your letter? I wrote them my own sincere request, and borrowed your words at the end as well (citing the original author). Hope that's ok.
Anonymous - You're welcome.
Krystal - Yeah, I sent it to them the same way, and I sent it to their Facebook account, as well.
I do not think this is what Jesus had in mind when he was nailed to the cross for his children. When he said "Lord forgive them fore they know not what they do". We do know what we are doing and it is very sad that it comes to this. What are you saying to our children the next generation its ok to hate thy neighbor, its ok to throw stones, its ok to offer the Lord praise based on hatered. You are no better than those who burned our US Flag. Were did we leave our PRIDE to be and AMERICAN? How do we send a message "WE THE PEOPLE" while we hang our heads in shame! No Dr. Jones this not what the Lord our God has asked us to do! Has there not been enough blood shed beginning with Jesus Christ. Can you carry the burden of even one AMERICAN that is harmed? Can you wash the blood from your hands with out a second thought or worse the harm or death of an innocent child because the message you will send on 9-11 is one of an unmerciful God! How dare you use God in vain!
I thought "Draw Mohammad Day" was clever and sent a message that free men will not back down from oppressive Islam, but this "Burn the Quran Day" is just meaninglessly spiteful, hateful, and rude.
Good job, Adam. I think I'll send them a letter of protest, too.
This guy is about to find out just how seriously the most radical practitioners of Islam take this kind of blatant expression of hatred towards Islam.
Thanks, Adam. I quite agree.
I would also add that if you want to "raise awareness" about the problems of a book, you would do better to read that book, read your own book, read some other books, and proceed to give a rigorous logical refutation of the first book.
If Terry Jones was a man who'd really think over feedback like your (very well written) mail, he wouldn't consider doing a Quran burning in the first place.
My impression is that this is more of an ego trip for Terry Jones than anything to do with religion.
BTW, whenever I read "Terry Jones" I smile and think of Monty Python. I'd hate to have that reaction changed in my mind.
Tedev, I fear you are correct. Why would my words sway someone who is so resolute?
Great post. You are, as always, brilliant. Alas, I doubt the Rev. Jones will take your very good advice
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